Städtische Werke Magdeburg
From Magdeburg and for Magdeburg: Städtische Werke Magdeburg (SWM) is the central energy service provider for the state capital and has close ties to the region. In addition to electricity, gas, water and heating, its portfolio also includes photovoltaic and e-mobility solutions. As an employer, promoter of culture and sport, and partner for sustainable mobility, SWM has a decisive influence on life in Magdeburg.
The ‘M’ is capitalised at SWM – and not just in the logo. With its fresh, unbureaucratic approach, SWM has established itself as a modern service provider for energy, mobility and utilities. The municipal utility company recognised the opportunities of digital transformation early on and, with the +Pluswerk locations in Munich and Magdeburg, quickly and professionally implemented a website relaunch in agile sprints.
Project overview and objectives
In 2020, Städtische Werke Magdeburg launched a comprehensive relaunch of its website. From the outset, +Pluswerk worked closely with SWM on the planning, development and implementation. The aim was to take the digital presence to a new level, both visually and technically, and to create a modern, scalable platform for service and communication.
In close consultation with SWM managers, all requirements were analysed and translated into a viable concept. The result is a digital framework that presents the services in a user-friendly way. From the outset, the project was understood as a continuous development process, which means that we have been regularly optimising and expanding the website ever since.
Implementation and highlights
For the technical implementation, we relied on the TYPO3 content management system. We started in 2020 with version 10; the platform now runs on TYPO3 v12. The system is continuously maintained and updated by +Pluswerk. TYPO3 impresses with its high flexibility and stability and enables SWM's online editors to maintain content with ease.
In addition to front-end programming, our task also included customising the back-end to meet SWM's specific requirements. From day one, +Pluswerk took on the role of product owner, coordinating all processes and ensuring the quality of the results. The result is a platform that is both technically robust and user-friendly.
We also placed particular emphasis on developing all detailed functions closely in line with the TYPO3 core. During the last major version update, we deliberately replaced older, individual PHP solutions with core-based implementations. This ensures that future updates will be more powerful, economical and sustainable in the long term.
Another important redesign took place in the summer of 2025. The navigation and menu were redesigned, accessibility was comprehensively improved, and the TYPO3 system was updated. Even small changes in the right places resulted in an even more clearly structured and user-friendly experience.
Result
The relaunch has transformed the old website into a modern, customer-oriented platform. Private households, companies and institutions can now find information more quickly and easily use services online or become customers directly. Intuitive navigation, powerful search functions and easy access to the customer portal have noticeably improved the user experience.
These goals have been achieved on the new homepage: clear navigation, optimised user experience and direct access to digital services. Key features such as Solr-based search, integration of SAP customer portals and an innovative tariff calculator for electricity, heating and gas make the platform a user-friendly and technically robust service hub.
The 2025 redesign underscores this claim: thanks to new menu navigation, optimised accessibility and a modernised UI/UX, the site has a stronger visual and functional impact. This ensures that the website remains a platform that showcases brand values and works for all users. Continuous maintenance and core-based solutions ensure that the platform will remain expandable in the future.
Use Cases
Relaunch for a municipal utility company
After an intensive concept phase, the development of the design began. The goal was to digitally reinterpret the corporate design of Städtische Werke Magdeburg and translate it into a modern, clear visual language. During the graphic prototyping phase, all design components were created, which served as the basis for subsequent programming. The result was a visually appealing yet functional website.
The company and magazine sections of the website invite visitors to explore with large-scale images and editorially prepared articles. Here, visitors can learn more about SWM's commitment to the region and the environment. Clear icons and striking tile structures ensure that the content is also optimally displayed on mobile devices and that users can navigate intuitively through the offerings at any time.
But the project was by no means complete when the website went live. Pluswerk is also supporting SWM in the long term with the further development of its digital presence. This includes regular TYPO3 updates, modernisation of the front end of the online customer centre and the consolidation of other platforms on a common technical basis to ensure a consistent and sustainable user experience.
Simplification for customers
A key goal of the relaunch was to make SWM's digital services as easy to use as possible. Our UX specialists therefore paid particular attention to optimising the front ends of the tariff calculator and customer portal. Both are based on SAP and have been specifically adapted to the needs of users, offering significantly improved usability.
The technical basis was also designed to ensure that information can be found quickly and reliably. A powerful Solr-based enterprise search delivers results in real time, while clearly structured navigation significantly shortens the path to the destination. This allows customers to find the service they want or the information they need with just a few clicks.
These improvements have a direct impact on customer satisfaction. Intuitive tariff calculators, self-service functions and an optimised information architecture encourage users to handle more processes digitally. This reduces the volume of support requests, increases interaction rates and leads to measurably higher conversion rates – a win-win situation for customers and companies alike.
Simplification for employees
The relaunch not only improved the user experience, but also brought noticeable benefits for SWM's internal teams. The TYPO3-based backend significantly reduces the effort required for content maintenance and enables online editors to update content independently and without external support. This saves costs and frees up time for other communication tasks.
The technical basis is TYPO3 version 12: an open, secure and scalable platform that is a safe long-term investment. Thanks to its flexible architecture, new services and extensions can be easily integrated without compromising the existing structure. This means that the website is optimally prepared for future requirements and digital developments.
In addition, practical functions make everyday editorial work easier. Central contact management ensures consistent and up-to-date contact information, while easy-to-use modules for FAQs and downloads enable quick updates. This makes the platform not only future-proof, but also efficient and user-friendly in daily operation.
Conclusion
The project impressively demonstrates how TYPO3, as a powerful content management system (CMS), can also play to its strengths in complex supply structures. The seamless integration of SAP systems, Solr search and a customised backend has created a scalable platform that noticeably reduces the workload for customers and employees and is considered best practice in the public utility sector.
Our work for SWM illustrates how important it is to strike a balance between strategic foresight and attention to detail. With a clear concept, user-friendly design and technical excellence, we have created a modern platform and laid the foundation for long-term cooperation. It is precisely this long-term, continuous development in close alignment with the TYPO3 core that makes this project a prime example of sustainable digital transformation.
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